Office for the support of students with special needs

At the University of Zenica since 2013, as a result of the Tempus project (EQOPP) "Equal Opportunities for Students with Special Needs in Higher Education", a Office for the support of students with special needs whose primary vision is Unique and Equal ('JJ' in education) in the realization of the right to education. The Office is part of the Quality Assurance System and was established with the primary goal of providing support to students with special needs in higher education, and thus the Office offers various information, support, resources, advice and expertise in the field of studying on all issues related to the conditions, rights and obligations of students with special needs.

Support Office is a coordinating body at the University that contributes to creating a society in which every person belongs and participates fully. The Office of Support fosters an educational environment that is inclusive and ready to support students with special needs by building and maintaining partnerships with faculties and academic and non-academic staff, promoting disability awareness among all members of the university community, and providing guidance with regard to university policies and procedures that ensure the full participation of students with disabilities in all aspects of university life.

General objectives:

• Identification and constant updating of the database of students with special needs at the University level
• Ensuring quality access to higher education for students with special needs
• Providing support that will be oriented towards a collaborative process that is sensitive to the unique experience of the individual
• Providing support to students with special needs in their adaptation and complete social integration into the academic community
• Education of teaching and non-teaching staff and students on the specifics of working with students with special needs

Specific objectives:

• Advising students with special needs when planning and implementing studies,
• Providing support in everyday life and in situations where certain difficulties may arise (e.g. when taking exams, housing, relationships with other students, etc.),
• Providing necessary information and support in the office and other University spaces (in person, by phone, by e-mail)
• Access to assistive technology and counseling for academic and non-academic staff is provided,
• Informing academic and non-academic staff about the impact of special needs on learning processes and adapting them accordingly to those needs,
• Connecting and securing social resources to better and more successfully support students with special needs,
• Continuously informing the Faculty about changes in legislation, as well as models of support for students with special needs,
• Discussion and evaluation of legal and other system-related difficulties related to higher education (e.g. amendments to the Law with the aim of better treating people with special needs),
• Removing barriers and achieving equality through public work (e.g. planning, organization, implementation of projects) with the aim of improving the position of people with special needs,
• Eliminating prejudices and understanding the issues of people with special needs by teaching and non-teaching staff and students,
• Establishing cooperation with partners: competent ministries, the city, associations of students and persons with disabilities and associations that work programmatically for the benefit of persons with disabilities, as well as scientists and experts.